Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal
Hey there! So, I have a confession—I’m not a morning person, not in the slightest. But, waking up to the smell of warm, cinnamon-y oatmeal makes those bleary-eyed mornings a tad bit better. This slow cooker steel cut oatmeal is like a hug in a bowl. I remember my first time making it; I was convinced it would turn into a mushy mess by morning (spoiler: it didn’t). Now, it’s become a weekend staple!
Why You’ll Love This
I whip this up on Friday nights because, let’s be real, Saturday mornings are for lounging, not cooking. My family dives into it like they’ve been starved all week—probably because it’s just so comforting and satisfying. Oh, and the kitchen smells heavenly (pro tip: bonus points for making the whole house smell like a bakery).
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup steel cut oats (I’ve tried quick oats but they just don’t match up)
- 4 cups water or milk (my grandma swears by half milk, half water)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or more, because why not?)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: a handful of nuts, dried fruit, or a splash of vanilla extract
Sometimes, I mix it up with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom when I’m feeling fancy.
How to Make It
- Grease your slow cooker lightly to avoid a sticky situation later.
- Throw in the oats, water (or milk), cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir. (This is where I usually sneak a taste—don’t judge!)
- Set it on low and let it cook overnight, about 7-8 hours. Go dream of breakfast.
- In the morning, stir well. Don’t panic if it looks a bit weird at first; it just needs a good mix.
Notes from My Kitchen
Don’t skimp on greasing the pot; trust me, scrubbing burnt oatmeal is not fun! I’ve also found that adding a bit more liquid in the winter keeps it from getting too thick.
Variations I’ve Tried
I once tossed in some cocoa powder—didn’t go down well with the kids, but hey, it was worth a shot. On the other hand, adding apple slices and a dash of maple syrup is a winner every time!
Got The Right Gear?
Slow cookers are the bee’s knees, but if you don’t have one, try the oven method at a low temperature. It’s not quite the same, but it works in a pinch!
Storing Your Oats
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, though honestly, it never lasts more than a day in my house!
Serving Suggestions
I like mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of nuts. My kids insist on chocolate chips (it’s hard to say no to that level of adorable pleading).
Lessons Learned (The Hard Way)
I once tried to rush this by setting the slow cooker on high—big mistake. It turned into glue. Low and slow is definitely the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rolled oats? Technically, yes, but they don’t hold up as well in the slow cooker.
What if I don’t like cinnamon? Skip it or swap it out for another spice!
How can I make it creamier? Use all milk instead of water, or even a splash of cream.
And there you have it! This slow cooker steel cut oatmeal is a cozy, easy breakfast that lets you have your lazy mornings and eat them too. If you want more breakfast ideas, check out my favorite whole grain banana pancakes or these delightful homemade granola.
